Camera Scanner
Point your camera at a QR code to scan it instantly. Detection happens automatically in real-time.
How to Use
- Click "Start Camera" — Your browser will request camera permission. Click Allow.
- Point your camera at a QR code — Hold steady and ensure the entire code is visible in the frame.
- Wait for automatic detection — The scanner detects and decodes QR codes in real-time. No need to press anything.
- View the result — The decoded content appears below the video. URLs become clickable links.
- Copy or open — Use the action buttons to copy the text or open URLs directly.
What Can You Scan?
| Type | What It Contains | Example |
|---|---|---|
| URL | Website link | https://example.com |
| WiFi | Network credentials | WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:password;; |
| vCard | Contact information | BEGIN:VCARD... |
| Email address | mailto:[email protected] | |
| Phone | Phone number | tel:+1234567890 |
| SMS | Text message | sms:+1234567890?body=Hello |
| Plain Text | Any text content | Meeting at 3pm in Room 201 |
Browser Compatibility
This scanner uses the BarcodeDetector API, which is available in:
- Chrome 83+ (desktop and mobile)
- Edge 83+
- Samsung Internet 13+
- Opera 69+
Safari and Firefox do not yet support BarcodeDetector. For those browsers, use our image-based QR scanner instead.
Privacy & Security
Your camera feed is processed entirely in your browser. No images or video are uploaded to any server. The BarcodeDetector API runs locally on your device to detect and decode QR codes.
Scan history is stored only in your browser's local storage and never leaves your device. Clear history anytime using the button above, or clear it automatically by closing your browser (depending on your settings).
Security tips:
- Always preview decoded URLs before clicking—QR codes can hide malicious links
- Be cautious with QR codes on stickers that may cover legitimate codes
- Verify WiFi network names match what you expect before connecting
- Only scan payment QR codes from trusted sources
Troubleshooting
Camera permission denied
If you clicked Block by accident, reset permissions in your browser settings:
- Chrome/Edge: Click the lock icon in the address bar → Site settings → Camera → Allow
- Mobile Safari: Settings → Safari → Camera → Allow
No QR code detected
- Ensure the entire QR code is visible in the frame, including the white border around it
- Hold the camera steady and avoid excessive movement
- Improve lighting—QR codes need good contrast to scan reliably
- Move closer or farther to adjust focus
- Try cleaning your camera lens
Scanner not supported
If your browser doesn't support BarcodeDetector, use our image-based QR scanner. You can take a photo with your camera app, then upload it to that tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on iPhone?
Unfortunately, Safari (including on iPhone) does not yet support the BarcodeDetector API. iPhone users can use the built-in Camera app (which has QR scanning) or our image upload scanner.
Can I scan multiple QR codes at once?
Yes. The scanner can detect multiple QR codes in the camera frame simultaneously. If multiple codes are present, it will decode all of them.
Why does the camera look blurry?
Some devices take a moment to autofocus. Try holding still for 1-2 seconds. If blurriness persists, clean your camera lens or move to better lighting.
Can I use my webcam on desktop?
Yes. This scanner works with any camera your browser can access, including USB webcams, built-in laptop cameras, and external cameras.
Is there a limit to how many QR codes I can scan?
No. You can scan as many QR codes as you want. Scan history is limited only by your browser's storage capacity (typically enough for hundreds of scans).
Related Tools
- QR Code Scanner (Image Upload) — Scan QR codes from screenshots and saved images
- QR Code Generator — Create custom QR codes for URLs, text, WiFi, and more
- Barcode Generator — Generate UPC, EAN, Code 128, and other barcode formats
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QR Code Camera Scanner FAQ
How do I scan a QR code with my camera?
Click 'Start Camera', grant camera permission when prompted, then point your camera at a QR code. The scanner will automatically detect and decode it in real-time. No need to take a photo—detection is instant.
Does this work on mobile phones?
Yes. This scanner works on any modern smartphone browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox). It uses your device's camera to scan QR codes without installing an app.
What can I scan with this tool?
You can scan any QR code containing URLs, plain text, WiFi network credentials, contact cards (vCards), email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, calendar events, and more.
Is my camera feed stored or uploaded?
No. The camera feed is processed entirely in your browser. No images or video are uploaded to any server or stored anywhere. Everything happens locally on your device.
Why is the camera permission request appearing?
Browsers require explicit permission to access your camera for security. Click Allow when prompted. This permission is only for this website and only while the scanner is active.
Can I switch between front and back cameras?
Yes. After starting the camera, use the camera selector dropdown to switch between available cameras on your device.
What if my browser doesn't support the scanner?
The scanner requires a modern browser with BarcodeDetector API support (Chrome 83+, Edge 83+, Samsung Internet). If unavailable, the tool will display a fallback message with alternative options.